Colorado State’s version of a spring game is here.
The traditional version of a spring game is fast disappearing in college football and CSU is calling this a “Spring Spotlight” on April 11 at Canvas Stadium.
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It will likely look like part practice and part scrimmage, but the event is a chance for fans to see the new-look team under coach Jim Mora.
Here’s what to know about the event and what to watch:
When is the ‘Spring Spotlight’?
The scrimmage portion of the CSU football team’s on-field work will be held from about 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 11.
After the scrimmage, players will be available for autographs and pictures on the field.
Youth sports camp
Prior to the football showcase, all kids in eighth grade and under are invited to participate in a free “Youth Sports Experience” on the field at Canvas Stadium. It will run from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. and registration is required.
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Other details, including parking and concessions
Parking is free and fans are encouraged to use CSU lots 240 and 425 or Meridian Avenue.
Select concession stands will be open on the west concourse. The New Belgium Porch will also be open.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player Amare Gomez carries the ball during spring practice on March 24, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player Amare Gomez carries the ball during spring practice on March 24, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player Antoine Martin Jr. catches the ball during spring practice on March 24, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player Brock Camp runs with the ball during spring practice on March 24, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player Cedric Ross runs with the ball during spring practice on March 24, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player Damian Moore Jr. runs with the ball during spring practice on March 24, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player Darnell Kelly throws the ball during spring practice on March 24, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player Dominic Toy carries the ball during spring practice on March 24, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player K’saan Farrar runs through a drill during spring practice on March 24, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player Hauss Hejny throws the ball during spring practice on March 24, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player Hauss Hejny throws the ball during spring practice on March 24, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player Jayden Tuia, left, goes through a drill during spring practice on March 24, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football coach Jim Mora signals during spring practice on March 24, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player Jordan Mosley makes a catch during spring practice on March 24, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player Makih Johnson makes a catch during spring practice on March 24, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player Malichi Greaves runs with the ball during spring practice on March 24, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach Matt Mitchell during spring practice on March 24, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player Max Vivier, left, goes through a drill during spring practice on March 24, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player Mel Brown carries the ball during spring practice on March 24, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football coach Jim Mora during spring practice on March 24, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player Phillip Ocon, middle, during spring practice on March 24, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player Phillip Ocon snaps the ball to Hauss Hejny during spring practice on March 24, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player Quinton Harris, left, goes through a drill during spring practice on March 24, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player RJ Vick makes a catch during spring practice on March 24, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player Sione Netane, left, goes through a drill during spring practice on March 24, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player Terrence Smith Jr. makes a catch during spring practice on March 24, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player Troy Foster makes a catch during spring practice on March 24, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player Tre-Shawn Moore during spring practice on March 26, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player D’Angelo Hagans Jr. during spring practice on March 26, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player Kallen Martinez during spring practice on March 26, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player Ace Brown makes a catch during spring practice on March 26, 2026.
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What to know about Colorado State football ‘Spring Spotlight’ event
Colorado State football player Mel Brown, right, carries the ball during spring practice on March 26, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player Trey Vincent during spring practice on March 26, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player Justin Lewis during spring practice on March 26, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player Elijah Brown during spring practice on March 26, 2026.
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Get to know Appalachian State transfer Elijah Mc-Cantos
Colorado State football player Elijah Mc-Cantos lines up a tackle during spring practice on March 26, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player Richard Mosley III reaches for an interception during spring practice on March 26, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player Antarron Turner makes a catch during spring practice on March 26, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player D’Angelo Hagans Jr., left, goes through a drill during spring practice on March 26, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player Marc Pretto goes through a drill during spring practice on March 26, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player CJ Blocker goes through a drill while coach Jim Mora looks on during spring practice on March 26, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player Caleb Otlewski goes through a drill during spring practice on March 26, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player Marc Pretto jumps for the ball during spring practice on March 26, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player Xavier Wimbush, left, goes through a drill during spring practice on March 26, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player Hauss Hejny throws a pass during spring practice on March 26, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player Elijah Brown celebrates a play during a spring practice March 8, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player Dominic Toy makes a catch during a spring practice March 8, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football defensive players Elijah Mc-Cantos (13) and Richard Mosley III (1) celebrate a play during a spring practice March 8, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player Hauss Hejny throws a pass during a spring practice March 8, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football coach Jim Mora during a spring practice March 8, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player Malichi Greaves runs the ball during a spring practice March 8, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player K’saan Farrar throws a pass during a spring practice March 8, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player Oliver Lundberg makes a catch during a spring practice March 8, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player Oliver Lundberg celebrates a play during a spring practice March 8, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player K’saan Farrar, left, throws a pass during a spring practice March 8, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State football player Troy Foster makes a catch during a spring practice March 8, 2026.
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More than 50 photos of new-look CSU football team in spring practices
Colorado State punter Cavan Craig punts during a spring practice March 8, 2026.
What to watch from CSU football team
For most, this will be a first in-person chance to see a team with more than 60 new players. Here are a few things to watch for as the Rams prepare for the 2026 season:
Quarterbacks: CSU has a fascinating QB battle ongoing with UConn transfer K’saan Farrar and Oklahoma State transfer Hauss Hejny the likely two competing for the top spot. In addition to the battle, the style of play will look different for CSU fans. CSU’s quarterbacks are quite mobile, often work out of the pocket and are running threats.
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Defensive playmakers: The Tyson Summers defense is built on attacking aggressively. It’s hard to get the full taste of it in in-house scrimmages when top quarterbacks can’t be hit, but there will still be glimpses. Who stands out? UConn transfer Oumar Diomande (linebacker), Kenyon Agurs (jack/linebacker) and Elijah Mc-Cantos (safety) are just a few of the defensive players to watch for.
Huge tight ends: The tight ends are massive. CSU doesn’t list heights and weights under Mora, but here’s a sampling. Juice Vereen was listed at 6-foot-4, 220-pounds at UConn. Dominic Toy (also UConn) was listed at 6-6, 225. Nader Chirchi (also UConn) was listed at 6-6, 248. Grant Houser was listed at 6-6, 230 at Louisville. Brock Camp was listed at 6-6, 245 last season by CSU. (Georgia transfer Pearce Spurlin III was listed at 6-7 but has been limited in on-field action in camp). The tight ends will be an important part of the offense and they’re very noticeable.
Kicking game: CSU struggled in field goal kicking last season. North Texas transfer Kali Nguma has been brought in to fix it. He’s hit from beyond 50 in camp. How well he does won’t really be known until pressure in-game moments but this will be a chance to see if the kicking game seems improved.
Good on good: Mora does not have No. 1 units face backups. It’s good on good, always. It makes for some fun, and feisty, battles.
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Sports reporter Kevin Lytle can be found on social media on X, Instagram and Threads @Kevin_Lytle and on Bluesky.
This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: What to watch at Colorado State football spring game
